This lecture looks at the historical fascination with intelligent machines, from ancient myths to modern robots, and the complex human relationship with them.
A lecture traces how a goddess symbolising nature became prominent in Western European thought from the 1800s, influencing literature, history, and archaeology.
Dr Naomi Paxton discusses how WWI influenced the UK’s women’s suffrage movement, highlighting continued activism and new roles women took on during the war.
Learn about Versailles’ role in advancing science, featuring astronomical clocks and Louis XV’s rhinoceros, with experts Dr Glyn Morgan and Alexander Collins.
Learn about the 1777 American victory at Saratoga that shocked the world and shifted the War of Independence’s course, with insights from Professor Kevin Weddle.
Enjoy a look back at the favourite demonstrations of the past year, featuring a peek into design processes and highlights from the 2024 CHRISTMAS LECTURES.
A talk on how hidden knowledge gaps in insurance and finance lead to unfair deals and financial crises, and how certain rules meant to fix these can backfire.
This lecture examines the emergence of written laws in ancient societies, using examples like Hammurabi’s code and Greek laws from Crete, and their role in legal philosophy.
Learn how the Second World War transformed Oxford into a critical centre for military and government operations through engaging stories and first-hand accounts.
Learn about efforts to electrify London’s grid as a way to cut carbon emissions. Topics include challenges in energy infrastructure and goals for a greener city.
Lily Blakely, Ethan Llewellyn, and Jan Blum present their comics about mosh pits, kinky robots, and society’s voyeurism, with a chance to buy signed copies.
Experts discuss the emergence of modern art in Brazil in the early 20th century, highlighting its unique blend of international trends and local cultural influences.
This lecture examines conflicts of interest in finance, focusing on the relationship between investors and fund managers, and how to safeguard your money.
Learn about how ‘Hebridean’ sheep from St Kilda influenced early sheep breeds in the North-East Atlantic, through genetic profiles and historical accounts.
Dr Alex Mayhew presents how English soldiers on the Western Front interpreted their experiences during WWI, focusing on survival, meanings, and personal narratives.
Learn how city models capture past, present, and future urban growth, evaluating their accuracy and exploring potential improvements for planning and development.
A live recording with hosts Alex Hemingway and Kate Dooley, joined by experts to discuss the rich history and behind-the-scenes of televised lectures, including favourite demos and bloopers.
A lecture on the historical shift from public to private ownership of utilities and the debate on reverting to public ownership amid modern challenges.
Learn about how Space Popular blends the physical and digital to shape our environment. The talk includes a panel with Shumi Bose, focusing on contemporary storytelling and climate discussions.
Jessica Meyer discusses the advanced medical techniques during WWI that improved soldier care, highlighting the RAMC’s role and innovations like motor ambulances.
This lecture examines how rising house prices have nearly doubled household wealth and widened the wealth gap, especially affecting younger generations.
Join Matt Greenwell to learn about the high diversity of tree species in the tropics, the role of natural enemies, and the challenges of rainforest research.
Learn about the 19th-century shift in British perception from ancient gods embodying human traits to a horned deity symbolising wild nature and personal freedom.
Learn about the craftsmanship of 17th- and 18th-century furniture, from hidden compartments to colourful interiors, guided by expert Julia van Zandvoort.
Artists, activists, and academics discuss the impact of climate injustice on indigenous and diasporic groups, aiming for a vision of accountable environmental justice.
